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Posts for: February, 2021

Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
February 20, 2021
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontic treatment   retainers  
KeepYourNewStraightenedSmileStraightWithanOrthodonticRetainer

You can't correct a poor bite with braces or clear aligners overnight: Even the most cut-and-dried case can still require a few years to move teeth where they should be. It's a welcome relief, then, when you're finally done with braces or aligner trays.

That doesn't mean, however, that you're finished with orthodontic treatment. You now move into the next phase—protecting your new smile that took so much to gain. At least for a couple of more years you'll need to regularly wear an orthodontic retainer.

The name of this custom-made device explains its purpose: to keep or “retain” your teeth in their new, modified positions. This is necessary because the same mechanism that allows us to move teeth in the first place can work in reverse.

That mechanism centers around a tough but elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament. Although it primarily holds teeth in place, the ligament also allows for tiny, gradual tooth movement in response to mouth changes. Braces or aligner trays take advantage of this ability by exerting pressure on the teeth in the direction of intended movement. The periodontal ligament and nature do the rest.

But once we relieve the pressure when we remove the braces or aligners, a kind of “muscle memory” in the ligament can come into play, causing the teeth to move back to where they originally were. If we don't inhibit this reaction, all the time and effort put into orthodontic treatment can be lost.

Retainers, either the removable type or one fixed in place behind the teeth, gently “push” or “pull” against the teeth (depending on which type) just enough to halt any reversing movement. Initially, a patient will need to wear their retainer around the clock. After a while, wear time can be reduced to just a few hours a day, usually during sleep-time.

Most younger patients will only need to wear a retainer for a few years. Adults who undergo teeth-straightening later in life, however, may need to wear a retainer indefinitely. Even so, a few hours of wear every day is a small price to pay to protect your beautiful straightened smile.

If you would like more information on orthodontic retainers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Importance of Orthodontic Retainers.”


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How You Can Prevent Teeth Grinding From Damaging Your Oral Health

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
February 10, 2021
Category: Oral Health
Tags: teeth grinding  
HowYouCanPreventTeethGrindingFromDamagingYourOralHealth

Life has changed dramatically over the centuries. But although our ancient forebears wouldn't recognize much of our modern world, they would be well acquainted with one particular oral habit that still persists. There's some evidence from archeological dental examinations that our ancestors also clenched or ground their teeth.

This habit of involuntarily gnashing, clenching or grinding the teeth together is most prevalent among children, although not considered a major problem at these younger ages. But it can continue into adulthood, as it does for one in ten people, and lead to an array of problems from worn teeth to jaw joint pain.

As to why adult teeth grinding occurs, researchers have proposed a number of possibilities. Some believe it may be related to the arousal response that occurs when a person passes through various stages of sleep. It also appears that certain psychoactive drugs can trigger it. But at the top of the cause list, teeth grinding is believed to be a physical outlet for stress.

Because of the possibility of multiple causes, there is no one method for treatment—instead, it's better to tailor treatments to the individual. Universally, though, patients who use drugs, alcohol or tobacco, all of which are considered contributing factors, may reduce grinding episodes by restricting their use of these substances.

It's also possible to reduce the incidence of teeth grinding through better stress management. People can learn and use individual relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness or biofeedback. For sleep-related teeth grinding it may also be helpful to forgo use of electronic devices before bedtime for a better night's sleep.

Dental treatments like an occlusal guard worn mainly during sleep can minimize the effects of nocturnal teeth grinding. This custom-made appliance prevents teeth from coming fully into contact with each other, thus lowering the intensity of the biting forces generated and preventing cumulative damage to teeth and dental work.

If you have symptoms like sore teeth and jaws, reports from your family hearing you grind your teeth, or catching yourself during the day clenching your teeth, make an appointment for a full examination. From there, we'll help you find the right combination of solutions to keep this old habit from complicating your oral health.

If you would like more information on teeth grinding, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Teeth Grinding.”


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Archive:

  • 2021
      • February (2)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • How You Can Prevent Teeth Grinding From Damaging Your Oral Health
      • January (5)
        • 6 Signs Your Child Could Be Developing a Poor Bite
        • 5 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • Could a Dental Bridge Be a Better Choice Than Implants?
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
  • 2020
      • December (4)
        • When To Replace a Dental Crown or Bridge
        • This Odd Tongue Condition Isn't Something To Fret Over
        • The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
      • November (3)
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
        • A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
      • October (3)
        • Zac Efron's Smile Transformation Could Happen to You
        • 4 Tips To Make Dental Care Easier for Children With Special Needs
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
      • September (3)
        • 3 Ways We Can Improve a Smile Affected by Unformed Teeth
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
        • Lingual Braces Might be a Better Fit for Your Active Lifestyle
      • August (3)
        • Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
        • Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Serious Oral Problems, Especially for Children
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
      • July (5)
        • Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • What Are Veneers?
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
      • June (4)
        • Exciting New Discovery Could Help in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
        • That Odd 'Lacy' Mouth Sore is No Cause for Alarm
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings Restore Damaged Teeth
        • What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
        • Why Is Your Smile Gummy? Here Are 4 Possibilities
      • April (4)
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Restore Smile With Dental Implants
        • Avoid Becoming a Dental Injury Statistic - Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
      • March (4)
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
        • How Crowns and Bridges Can Help Your Smile
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • February (4)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • How Root Canals Can Help Soothe Your Pain
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
        • You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
      • January (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • These 4 Habits Could Help You Avoid Gum Disease
        • Follow the Fast-Food Lead: Cut Back Sodas in Your Child's Diet
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Certain Osteoporosis Drugs Could Pose a Future Risk to Your Dental Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
      • November (4)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
        • The Versatility of Dental Crowns
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • October (3)
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
      • August (3)
        • "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
      • July (4)
        • Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
        • How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • June (4)
        • Crown Lengthening Could Help with Treating Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • Signs You May Need a Tooth Extracted
      • May (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Root Canal Therapy Might Just Save Your Tooth!
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
      • April (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
      • March (4)
        • Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • FAQs About Veneers
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
      • January (4)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Have Tooth Pain? A Root Canal Might Be Right for You
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Monitoring Your Child's Thumb Sucking Could Help Avoid Future Bite Problems
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
      • November (4)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
      • September (4)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Smile
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
      • August (4)
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
      • July (4)
        • How Dental Crowns Help Your Smile
        • We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
      • June (4)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • 3 Common Causes for Chronic Dry Mouth and What You can do About It
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • May (3)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • April (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (3)
        • Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
        • The Importance of Professional Cleanings
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
      • January (3)
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • What Veneers Can Do for Your Smile
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes and Oral Health
        • Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (3)
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • What are Dental Implants?
      • August (3)
        • Tooth-Healthy Tips for a Summer Barbecue
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 4 Situations Where a Crown Could Improve an Existing Tooth
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Reasons You Might Need A Dental Crown
        • Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
      • June (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
      • May (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Don't Neglect Your Flossing Habit
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • March (4)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • The Many Uses for Porcelain Veneers
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (1)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
      • January (4)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • What Causes Bad Breath?
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
        • So, What's a Dental Implant?
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • October (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Implants can Support a Total Tooth Replacement Restoration
      • September (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Root Canals: No Pain and Lots to Gain
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
      • August (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
      • July (3)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Get Your Smile Back With Dental Implants
        • 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
      • June (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
      • May (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • What Are Crowns and Bridges?
      • April (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
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Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200
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(678) 583-0330
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